Maternal interactive behaviour in early infancy and later attachment

Author(s): Keller, H., Lohaus, A., Cappenberg, M., Chasiotis, A.

Journal/Book: Int J Behav Dev. 1999; 23: 27 Church Rd, Hove BN3 2FA, East Sussex, England. Psychology Press. 921-936.

Abstract: Evolutionary considerations (cf. MacDonald, 1992) suggest that emotional closeness and security of attachment address different functional systems. We assume that maternal sensitivity during early face-to-face interactions is related to later emotional closeness, whereas the contingency of maternal reactions towards the infant's signals is related to later security of attachment. Forty-three mother-infant dyads were videotaped at home during face-to-face interactions when the infants were 3 months old, and were seen in the strange situation when the infants were 12 months old. Results confirm the assumptions, with significant correlations between early face-to-face sensitivity and later contact seeking, maintaining, and avoiding behaviour of the infant during the reunion episodes of the strange situation. Early maternal face-to-face contingency was related to later security of attachment.

Note: Article Volker S, Univ Osnabruck, Dept Psychol, Seminarstr 20, D-49069 Osnabruck, GERMANY

Keyword(s): MOTHER; RESPONSIVENESS; SOCIALIZATION; SENSITIVITY; TEMPERAMENT; CHILDREN; PARENTS

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